Just announced: Mick Cronin of the Parramatta Eels was already battling more than most players could imagine heading into the 1986 Grand Final against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and………… watch more below
He’d lost sight in one eye earlier that season from a stray finger in a trial match. He’d missed most of the year. He admitted himself he was on old legs and nearing the end. On top of that cracked ribs.
Then comes the drive from Gerringong… caught in an 18-car pile-up on what was supposed to be the final trip of his career.
When the policeman realised who was stuck in traffic, Cronin calmly says, “I shouldn’t be here, should I?” classic Crow. Next minute, police escort to the ground.
Teammates finish their warm-up, walk back into the sheds and there he is. Lacing up the boots like nothing’s happened.
In a brutal, tryless 4-2 Grand Final win, it was Cronin who slotted the two goals that proved the difference. That’s pressure. That’s nerve. That’s heart.
And then that lap of honour with captain and fellow retiree Ray Price two warriors finishing their careers with a premiership.
Teammates later reflected that they could sense something was not entirely right but Cronin rarely spoke about his struggles openly Instead he focused on preparation encouraging younger players and maintaining a calm presence in the locker room That quiet resilience became a source of motivation for those around him When others saw their captain refusing to complain despite obvious discomfort it strengthened their own determination to give everything for the team
The day of the grand final arrived with enormous anticipation Stadium energy was electric crowds filled with supporters hoping to witness history For Cronin it was a moment that combined pride anxiety and determination Walking onto the field he knew the match could define not only the season but also his legacy as a leader Every movement tested his physical limits yet adrenaline and commitment pushed him forward
Throughout the game his experience and composure remained evident He guided teammates with strategic awareness communicating positioning and maintaining focus even during intense passages of play Moments of pain were hidden behind concentration He understood that leadership during a final was not only about skill but also emotional stability Keeping teammates calm under pressure often determines outcomes as much as physical ability
Observers later described his performance as courageous not only because of what he achieved on the field but because of what he endured to be there Competing at the highest level while managing personal challenges requires a mindset built on resilience discipline and loyalty It reflects a belief that collective success matters more than individual comfort
The victory that followed became one of the most celebrated moments in the clubs history yet for Cronin the triumph carried deeper meaning It represented proof that perseverance can overcome doubt and adversity It also highlighted the reality that athletes often fight invisible battles that spectators never see Championships are remembered through scores and statistics but behind those achievements are stories of pain sacrifice and determination
After the celebrations faded the physical toll remained Recovery required time patience and acceptance that the body had limits Even heroes must heal Yet the experience reinforced his reputation as a leader who placed team above self inspiring future generations to understand that greatness is not only measured by talent but also by courage during hardship
Years later reflections on that grand final continue to emphasize the human dimension of sport Fans remember the victory but also the determination that fueled it Cronin story reminds us that athletes are not immune to fear pain or vulnerability Instead their strength often lies in confronting those realities while still striving for excellence
The announcement that he had been
Just days before the biggest match of his career Mick Cronin was carrying a burden that few people around him truly understood As a leader of the Parramatta Eels he was expected to guide his teammates with confidence strength and composure into the historic clash against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the 1986 NSWRL Grand Final yet behind the determined exterior was a man dealing with physical pain emotional pressure and the fear that he might not be able to perform at the level his team needed
The journey to that final had already demanded enormous sacrifice Rugby league in that era was relentless brutal and unforgiving Players trained with intensity while also managing injuries that today might have required long recovery periods Medical support and sports science were not as advanced which meant athletes often played through pain simply because the team depended on them Cronin like many leaders before him believed that commitment to teammates sometimes required personal suffering and he refused to let adversity weaken his resolve
In the weeks leading up to the grand final he was dealing with ongoing physical discomfort that made even routine training sessions difficult Each sprint each tackle and each kick required mental toughness to push through the pain There were moments when exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him but stepping away was never an option in his mind He understood that his presence on the field represented more than just individual participation It symbolized belief determination and unity for the entire squad
Beyond the physical challenges there was also emotional strain The responsibility of leadership can feel isolating especially when expectations are high Supporters fans and media saw him as a figure of confidence someone who would deliver under pressure yet leadership often means hiding doubt to protect the morale of others He carried the weight of wanting to inspire his teammates while quietly questioning whether his body would hold up during the match
Teammates later reflected that they could sense something was not entirely right but Cronin rarely spoke about his struggles openly Instead he focused on preparation encouraging younger players and maintaining a calm presence in the locker room That quiet resilience became a source of motivation for those around him When others saw their captain refusing to complain despite obvious discomfort it strengthened their own determination to give everything for the team
The day of the grand final arrived with enormous anticipation Stadium energy was electric crowds filled with supporters hoping to witness history For Cronin it was a moment that combined pride anxiety and determination Walking onto the field he knew the match could define not only the season but also his legacy as a leader Every movement tested his physical limits yet adrenaline and commitment pushed him forward
Throughout the game his experience and composure remained evident He guided teammates with strategic awareness communicating positioning and maintaining focus even during intense passages of play Moments of pain were hidden behind concentration He understood that leadership during a final was not only about skill but also emotional stability Keeping teammates calm under pressure often determines outcomes as much as physical ability
Observers later described his performance as courageous not only because of what he achieved on the field but because of what he endured to be there Competing at the highest level while managing personal challenges requires a mindset built on resilience discipline and loyalty It reflects a belief that collective success matters more than individual comfort
The victory that followed became one of the most celebrated moments in the clubs history yet for Cronin the triumph carried deeper meaning It represented proof that perseverance can overcome doubt and adversity It also highlighted the reality that athletes often fight invisible battles that spectators never see Championships are remembered through scores and statistics but behind those achievements are stories of pain sacrifice and determination
After the celebrations faded the physical toll remained Recovery required time patience and acceptance that the body had limits Even heroes must heal Yet the experience reinforced his reputation as a leader who placed team above self inspiring future generations to understand that greatness is not only measured by talent but also by courage during hardship
Years later reflections on that grand final continue to emphasize the human dimension of sport Fans remember the victory but also the determination that fueled it Cronin story reminds us that athletes are not immune to fear pain or vulnerability Instead their strength often lies in confronting those realities while still striving for excellence
The announcement that he had been battling more than most could imagine adds new depth to an already legendary chapter It reveals the unseen struggles that shaped one of rugby league most memorable moments and offers a powerful reminder that behind every champion is a person facing challenges that may nev
er fully be known to the world